Kirk Morris (1938-)

biography

Born Adriano Bellini in Venice, Italy, in 1938 (some sources claim 1942 and 1946), actor Kirk "Kirky" Morris worked as a gondolier in his native city beginning in his teens. Spotted for films by an Italian producer, Morris went to Rome in 1960 to begin a film career. Throughout his career which lasted about ten years, Kirk Morris starred in a number of sword and sandal films, such as Colossus and the Headhunters, which Mystery Science Theater 3000 fans will recall from season six. One of Morris's best films is the unusual The Witch's Curse (1962). He portrayed Hercules at least three times on screen, most notably in 1965's Hercules, Samson, and Ulysses with also features Richard Lloyd as Samson.

Various photos of Kirk Morris

After the peplum craze died out in the mid 1960s, Morris's acting career began to slide. He made fewer films after 1965, starring in a couple of westerns and war films before leaving the screen in 1970.

From The Witch's Curse. In this film, Maciste curiously turns up in 17th century Scotland to battle the forces of evil

Hercules, Samson and Ulysses (1963)

Terror of the Steppes (1966)

From the Italian adventure Terror of the Steppes with Kirk Morris as Sandar

2 + 5: Mission Hydra (1966)

As Belsy in the Italian science fiction flick 2 + 5: Mission Hydra, also known as Star Pilot

Rita of the West (1967)

LEFT: As Ringo in the musical western Rita of the West. RIGHT: With Rita Pavone

more kirk morris

Scenes from Triumph of the Son of Hercules with Kirk Morris as Maciste were used in a deodorant commercial back in the late 1960s. The spot includes celluloid footage of Maciste flexing his muscles, and restraining the horses of Memphis' Queen Tenefis in the chariot torture, with a female voice-over declaring, "My brother works hard. He needs a strong deodorant."

After his film career cooled, Morris moved to the U.S. and went into advertising. Today, Morris produces films in Italy.

kirk morris films available from movies unlimited

Colossus And The Headhunters [DVD](1961) DVDKirk Morris shines as the mighty hero Colossus, who flees to an island following a deadly earthquake. There he is confronted by a group of nasty headhunters while trying to restore the power of the reigning queen. But is he strong enough to defeat the bad guys and make things right again? Does Atlas' back hurt? With Laura Brown, Alfredo Zammi, Frank Leroy. Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English.The Witch's Curse [DVD](1962) DVDA 17th-century body-builder rips up a tree and descends to Hell to force a witch to remove her curse from his village. American muscleman Kirk Morris plays a Scottish shepherd in this Italian-made Maciste epic. AKA: "Maciste in Hell." 76 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Plays All Regions. Devil Of The Desert Against The Son Of Hercules [DVD](1962) DVDSwords! Sinews! Sand! Muscleman Kirk Morris dons the loincloth for this spectacle, in which the mythical hero helps a group of nomadic herdsmen battle their way through the "Valley of the Thundering Echoes" to reach a fabled oasis. AKA: "Hercules of the Desert," "The Slave Merchants." 93 min. Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English.Samson And The Sea Beasts (Widescreen Version) [DVD](1963) DVDHe-man hero Samson (Kirk Morris) goes up against a group of pirates and finds himself held captive by the scoundrels, until a noblewoman steps in to help him. As if that wasn't enough excitement, he must also square off against an aquatic beast in an unforgettable duel. Margaret Lee, Daniele Vargas, Aldo Bufi Landi co-star. 89 min. AKA: "Samson Against the Pirates." Widescreen; Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English.Triumph Of The Son Of Hercules [DVD](1963) DVDDad left behind quite a lionskin to fill, but the well-groomed and heavily-muscled Kirk Morris more than acquits himself in this epic adventure loaded with swordplay, strongmen, and savagery. And wait until you hear the theme song! Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Hercules, Samson And Ulysses [DVD](1963) DVDThat's three times the heroes of legend for your buck in this brawny Saturday matinee opus, as the quest of Hercules (Kirk Morris) and Ulysses (Enzo Cerusico) to hunt down a heinous sea creature finds them marooned on Judea's shores. Imprisoned by the Philistines, the crew's freedom hinges on Herc tracking down and capturing the equally formidable Samson (Richard Lloyd). Liana Orfei, Fulvia Franco co-star; Pietro Francisci directs. 86 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.Atlas Against The Czar [DVD](1964) DVDItalian Gladiator Muscleman Goes Russian! That's what happens when Maciste is resurrected after being found in a cave in the Ural Mountains and enlisted to help Czar Nikolay Nikolayevich terrorize his constituents. After realizing that the ruler has bad intentions for him, Maciste rebels big time. With Kirk Morris as Maciste (who is actually "Atlas," but that's a long story), Massimo Serato. AKA: "Samson vs. the Giant King." Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English. 2 + 5: Mission Hydra [DVD](1966) DVDItalian space adventure about aliens from the planet Hydra who land on Earth and abduct Earthlings to use as exhibits in their zoo. Bizarre blend of sci-fi, action, romance and social commentary stars Kirk Morris, Gordon Mitchell. AKA: "Star Pilots." Standard; Soundtrack: English mono; theatrical trailers; scene access.Rita Of The West [DVD](1967) DVDBelieving money to be the root of the world's evil, a singer-turned-cowgirl decides to steal all the gold she can with the intention of blowing it up. Her plan attracts the attention of an Indian chief, a pair of outlaws, a Mexican bandit, and a cowboy who may or may not be on her side. Rita Pavone, Terence Hill, Lucio Dalla star in this offbeat Euro Western. AKA: "Crazy Westerners." 96 min. Soundtrack: Italian; Subtitles: English. In Italian with English subtitles.

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filmography

Sapevano solo uccidere (1971) with Alan Steel and Gordon MitchellOverrun! (1970) Seven Red Berets (aka Congo Hell) (1969) with Ivan Rassimov, Serge Nubret, and Priscilla DrakeSaguaro (1968) with Gordon Mitchell and Alan SteelRita in the West (1967) with Terence Hill and Gordon MitchellFalcon of the Desert (1966)Maciste, the Avenger of the Mayans (1966) with Maria Teresa Gentilini and Luciano Marin2+5 Mission Hydra (1965) (aka Star Pilots) with Gordon MitchellConqueror of Atlantis (aka Kingdom of the Sand) (1965) with Helene ChanelHercules, Samson and Ulysses (aka Samson Challenges Hercules) (1965) with Richard LloydDesert Raiders (1964) with Rosalba NeriAtlas Against the Czar (1964) aka Samson Vs. the Giant KingTerror of the Steppes (1964) with Moira OrfeiHercules of the Desert (1964) with Helene ChanelHercules and the Black Pirates (1964) with Alan Steel and Rosalba NeriSamson and the Sea Beasts (1963) with Margaret LeeTriumph of the Son of Hercules (1963)Clash of Steel (1962) with Gianna Maria CanaleDevil of the Desert Against the Son of Hercules (1962)The Witch's Curse (1962) (aka Maciste in Hell)Hercules in the Valley of Woe (1961) with Raimondo Vianello, Liana Orfei, Franco Franchi, and Ciccio IngrassiaColossus and the Headhunters (1961) this film aired on Mystery Science Theater 3000 as episode #605

links

Go to the Other Hercules Heroes page, featuring Peter and David Paul, Paul Wynter, Jacques Sernas, and Richard Lloyd.

kirk morris film now showing

Watch Kirk Morris' 1964 film The Devil of the Desert Against the Son of Hercules